Highlands Field Site
An immersive, place-based semester in the mountains of Western North Carolina
The Highlands Field Site (HFS) is a unique semester-away opportunity for undergraduate students who want to explore environmental science and cultural history through hands-on learning in one of the most biologically rich regions in the temperate world — the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Hosted at Highlands Biological Station and offered through UNC Chapel Hill's Institute for the Environment, HFS blends rigorous academic coursework, independent research, and unforgettable field experiences — all while living and learning in the charming mountain town of Highlands, NC.
Curious what our most recent cohort is studying? Read about the 2025 IE research projects.
Why Choose HFS?
Live in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Highlands Biological Station — a UNC affiliate at 4,118 ft elevation — offers access to pristine streams, lush forests, and an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems right outside your door.
Highlands, NC sits at the southern end of one of the world's temperate biodiversity hotspots. Nowhere else in the continental US packs this much ecological richness into one accessible landscape.
Six integrated courses designed around place — every lecture, lab, and discussion is grounded in the landscapes you can walk to from campus. Explore the course catalog below for full descriptions.
Collaborate with field experts and local stakeholders on a semester-long research project that tackles an authentic conservation challenge in the region. Your work contributes to real science — not a textbook exercise.
Past projects have addressed topics from bat hibernacula and invasive species to microplastics and wetland management.
Learn alongside a small cohort of motivated students. Build lasting friendships, expand your academic network, and connect with professionals working in ecology, policy, and conservation across the region.
Field trips to iconic natural areas including Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. Hiking, camping, and exploring biodiverse ecosystems are woven into the curriculum.
Course Catalog
ENEC 204 — Southern Appalachian Environmental & Cultural History
Explore the deep connections between people and the Southern Appalachian landscape — from Indigenous land use and European settlement to modern conservation movements and ongoing environmental justice questions.
This course sets the cultural and historical foundation for every field experience that follows throughout the semester.
ENEC 256 — Human Impacts in the Southern Appalachians
Examine the region's incredible biodiversity and how it's being shaped by climate change, pollution, invasive species, and other human influences. Students collect and analyze real field data across multiple ecosystems.
This is the core science course of the HFS semester — rigorous, hands-on, and anchored in the landscapes surrounding Highlands Biological Station.
ENEC 264 — Communicating Science in the Anthropocene
Learn how to communicate complex science clearly and effectively — in writing, visually, and for diverse audiences — using real-world examples from the Southern Appalachians.
Students develop skills in science journalism, public presentation, data visualization, and community engagement that translate directly to careers in science and policy.
ENEC 395 — Research in Environmental Science and Studies
Gain hands-on experience through a mentored research internship aligned with your interests in science, policy, education, or conservation. Work alongside HBS researchers and community partners on real active projects.
This course is the heart of the HFS research experience and often leads to co-authored publications and presentations.
ENEC 479 — Remote Sensing and Landscape Analysis
Use drones and satellite data to map and analyze landscapes, track environmental changes, and ground-truth field data. Students learn GIS workflows, drone operation, and remote sensing interpretation.
A highly marketable technical skill set that distinguishes HFS graduates in environmental science and conservation careers.
ENEC 698 — Capstone: Analysis and Solution of Environmental Problems
Work in a team to tackle a real-world environmental challenge. Students conduct applied research, analyze data, and present findings and recommendations directly to a community client or stakeholder.
The capstone is where the semester comes together — integrating field skills, scientific communication, and collaborative problem-solving into a tangible deliverable for the region.
Total: 17 credit hours across 6 integrated field-based courses
What You'll Do
Collect and analyze field data using professional research tools and GIS software
Hike, camp, and explore biodiverse ecosystems across the Blue Ridge
Present your research to peers, faculty, and community stakeholders
Fly drones and interpret satellite imagery for landscape-scale analysis
Visit Great Smoky Mountains NP, Pisgah, and Nantahala National Forests
Build skills in science communication, environmental policy, and conservation
Work with local partners on an applied research challenge with real-world impact
Live and learn in a small-cohort community at 4,000 ft in the Blue Ridge
Program Director
Dr. Rada Petric
Highlands Field Site Director
Dr. Petric earned her B.S. and M.S. in Biology from UNC Greensboro before completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Science at the same institution. She continued at UNC Greensboro as a post-doctoral fellow before joining Highlands Biological Station, where she is actively involved in the UNC Institute for the Environment, supporting mentoring opportunities and program development.
Dr. Petric also conducts research on bat ecology, contributing to a broader understanding of bat behavior and conservation.
Contact Dr. Petric: rpetric@unc.edu →Learn More
HFS Semester Courses
Full course listings, credit hours, and academic requirements for the Highlands Field Site semester program.
View courses →UNC IE Program Page
Official program information from the UNC Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment, including how to apply.
Visit UNC IE →2025 Research Projects
Read about what our most recent HFS cohort studied — from bat ecology and microplastics to wetland management.
Read 2025 projects →Past Student Research
Browse past HFS project reports and see the full range of applied environmental research our students have produced.
Browse past reports →2021 Fall Newsletter
An early look at HFS project descriptions and program history from the Highlands Biological Foundation newsletter.
Download PDF →Follow on Instagram
See HFS in action — field days, research moments, and life in the mountains from the dedicated HFS Instagram account.
@highlands.ie →We are deeply grateful to the Highlands Biological Foundation for their continued support of the Highlands Field Site program. Their generous funding helps make this immersive, field-based learning experience possible for students each year.
Highlands Biological FoundationReady to Spend a Semester in the Mountains?
Learn how to apply through UNC Chapel Hill's Institute for the Environment, or reach out to Dr. Petric with questions.